With the dynamic nature of the medical industry, one or two medical degrees are never enough. However, the time required to get another degree the typical way is usually long, and that is why online degrees are gaining more recognition today.
For starters, an online degree is extremely manageable and affordable in the medical field. In addition, since the field of clinical research is expanding quickly, there is a high demand for healthcare professions with a background in clinical studies, and an online degree complements clinical research in every way.
Clinical research is a branch of medicine that deals with determining the effectiveness and safety of treatment methods and medical products. It covers the various medications, how often and what time the drugs are very effective, and how the medical products will benefit patients. Having a post-graduate degree in clinical research will thus be a critical step in advancing in your medical career.
Since there are currently many teams that work in a clinical studies lab, having a postgraduate degree in clinical research opens you to more opportunities. A master’s degree in clinical research, for instance, will put you in a good position of being the lead clinical researcher, which is among one of the top positions in the lab. You equally get to study some of the latest drugs as well as learn about recent developments in pharmaceuticals.
Possible Careers with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Research
The field is booming and will continue growing at a rapid rate. After obtaining a postgraduate degree in clinical research, it is up to you to choose where you want to work. Some of the various careers available for you to choose include:
- Drug development
- Experimental medical treatments
- Contract researcher
- Clinical data management
Online Program Description
Online programs will provide you with knowledge and understanding of the major elements as well as principles of clinical analysis, trial designs, and delivery. The program is for anyone who has a degree in pharmacy, medicine, life sciences, nursing and all the other disciplines that are involved in clinical research. By the end of the program, you will be a qualified investigator who can lead any clinical trial.
Each course has been divided into themed sections with materials for practical case studies, archived webinars, directed readings, and podcasts. You can also be part of debates with live guest lecturers who discuss current issues as part of teaching. At the end of the program, you will have covered some of the following:
- Commercial aspects of drug discovery
- Statistics and management of data
- Regulations and Ethics
- Complex interventions and medical devices
- Imaging
- Trial and project management
The Master in the clinical research program is designed with you as the learner in mind. You will be supported as one of the active members of the active online community where you will access tasks and materials that will create a relevant, collaborative and dynamic learning process.
Entry Descriptions
The entry descriptions for most universities offering this master’s program are almost the same. You are required to hold an upper second class honors degree so as to qualify for the online program. Applicants are also supposed to be registered with the relevant professional bodies and have not less than a one-year working experience in the health sector as a clinician. Applicants should also be currently involved in the healthcare industry. If you do not have the employment experience, you can still be considered so long as you are planning on following a career path in clinical academic research in the future.
